Coral Pink Sand Dunes

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a National State Park in Southern Utah located between Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab, south, and west of U.S. Highway 89 in Kane County. This park is only 44 miles away from WillowWind RV Park and is a beautiful and unique place to see. Make sure to add this park to your list of natural sights throughout the area of Southern Utah. At Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the mountains and hills of sand are changed by winds and can move as much as 50 feet per year, creating a constantly changing landscape. The color is enthralling to witness — the pink color coming from the dust of eroded sandstone of the area. Take the opportunity for some exceptional off-roading or a chance to experience sandboarding. Although Zion National Park is very popular, the dunes offer a very different experience and are a bit lesser known. Learn more about Coral Pink Sand Dunes and plan your next adventure to this desert wonder in Southern Utah!

History of Coral Pink Sand Dunes

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park was first opened to the public in 1963. The dunes were formed by the continual erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs which are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old. The formation of the dunes is caused by a gap between two mountains - the Moccasin and the Moquith. Through this space, the leftover sand from the erosion of sandstone is carried through with greater force, allowing the sand to travel through and be deposited. The park and its sandy dunes expand over 3,730 acres. Coral Pink Dunes are the only major sand dune field on the Colorado Plateau due to the unique nature of how it is formed. These dunes are also the only place in the world where you can find insect species such as the Coral Pink tiger beetle. Snowmelt can sometimes gather and form small ponds and pockets of water, leading other amphibian life to dwell in the area. You can also walk among old juniper, pinion, and ponderosa pines which thrive at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

What to Know About the Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes is open all year, seven days a week, closing typically at nightfall. Utah tourism suggests that “the best times to go are spring, early summer, and fall, as the temperatures are the mildest and the weather is usually cooperative.” (visitutah.com) Considering that this area is an expanse of sandy dunes, shade is not generally an option, so that is important to keep in mind, particularly in the summer months when temperatures can be hot. Options for entry include a daily use pass for each vehicle or using an annual Utah State Parks pass. If you’re looking to bring your four-legged best friend, you’re in luck! Although they do require that all pets be kept on a six-foot leash while at the park.

Adjacent to the park, you can find an expanse of BLM land on the northernmost end of the dunes. There are opportunities for hiking the trails in the expanse of BLM’s Moquith Mountain Wilderness Study Area. 

What to Do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes

The most popular way to explore the dunes is with off-highway vehicles (OHV). Approximately 90 percent of the dunes are accessible with off-highway vehicles, where you can catch a glimpse of areas that you simply could not reach in a car. One area in particular that can be reached using an OHV is the Sand Highway. This area can be found along the boundary of the dunes and consists of a one-way narrow trail within a small canyon. The highway stretches for miles and picks up again on the eastern side of the dunes. The dunes shift and change over time, so generally, the area does not have any designated trails around the park. Individuals are free to explore the expansive 1,200 acres. 

The dunes are also family-friendly, and kids can enjoy some sandy sledding in the area. For those who enjoy snowboarding, this is the perfect place to give sandboarding a try. If you aren’t equipped with your own, sandboards and sand sleds are available for rent at the park. Families can sled, play, hike, and explore the hills without using an OHV. If you prefer something more structured or educational, guided tours are available from All Ways Adventures (rappelling/rock climbing) and Coral Pink ATV Tours.

Your Home Base for Southern Utah

Stop on by WillowWind RV Park as you head to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes — we’re just 44 miles down the road! Here you can relax in a spacious, well-appointed, full-hookup site during your Southern Utah outdoor adventure. At WillowWind, you will find clean laundry facilities, fire pits, your choice of satellite or shaded friendly sites, a log clubhouse, bbq picnic areas, and much more. 

RV travelers looking to get the most out of their time in Southern Utah find a great home base at WillowWind. Not only are we a short drive from the dunes, but our park is only 23 miles from Zion National Park, ten minutes to exceptional golf courses, and just a short drive from at least six other popular state or national parks. The quiet town of Hurricane is a convenient backdrop for your adventure, providing amenities and shopping nearby when you need it. Ready to plan your Southern Utah adventure? Be sure to book your stay with us in advance, as sites fill quickly. Contact us online or give us a call to reserve today. 

Additional Resources:

https://www.blm.gov/visit/coral-pink-sand-dunes 

https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink/discover/ 

https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/coral-pink-sand-dunes-state-park 

https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/coral-pink-sand-dunes-state-park/#readmore